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Swimwear on Miami Beach runway goes sporty chic

Suzette Laboy Associated Press

Posted:
07/21/2014 12:26:58 PM EDT

Updated:
07/21/2014 12:26:58 PM EDT

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A model walks down the runway with a live snake wearing swimwear designed by We Are Handsome during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim show, Friday, July 18, 2014, in Miami Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

From rash guards to zipper-brief bottoms, sporty-chic looks made waves on the runway in Miami Beach for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, which celebrated its 10th year with more than a dozen shows ending Monday. The shows previewed summer 2015 swimwear.

"Sport luxe is making a big impact into swimwear," said Sue Di Chio, creative director of Suboo. She said customers are looking for more than triangle bikinis, and sportswear design "lends itself a lot to swimwear."

Prints and bright colors also will return next year, along with mesh, high-waist bottoms and laser-cut designs.

Dolores Cortes cited a mix of tribal and contemporary inspiration with laminated fabrics, glass beads and braid structures. Black-and-white bikinis were paired with oversized gold-plated bracelets and earrings with 3-D animal details. Other designs included multi-colored maillots with open backs and sides; a one-piece tube-top in a textured white design and zipper front; and a gold pantsuit. Showstoppers were bikinis made of tortoise shell.

WILDFOX

Party like it's 1999 was the theme of the WILDFOX Swim show, with some models sporting Reebok high-tops and fanny packs. "Wild Thing" was printed on a tank bikini top paired with a bottom that had a paw scratch on the back. A red one-piece read "This Bod's For You" with high-cut sides. The Barbie logo appeared on a soft pink one-piece and a blue terry-cloth bikini that tied in front. Crowd favorites included a pastel-colored one-piece with pink belt and a bikini covered in oversized flowers.

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WE ARE HANDSOME

Jeremy and Katinka Somers are the designers behind this Australian label. Prints included hummingbirds intertwined with pineapples in a kaleidoscope grid; mirrored cheetahs in red and blue; the brand's signature big cat print; and maps, sails and palm trees reflecting the designers' travel lifestyle. A cropped rash guard in bright yellow sported a tropical print on the back, racer bikinis and leggings paired with mesh tops. Bikini-clad models even held a live slithering snake. Male models sported trunks in prints.

The Tory Burch swimwear was inspired by the sun-bleached palette of Milton Avery, an American modern painter. Laidback looks included surf shirts, dresses and tunics, and button-down shirts that can be worn over bathing suits. A short-sleeved rash guard included a floral print called "Red Pepper Issy" with short ruffles along the collar. Accessories included oversized marbled sunglasses and perforated leather shoes. Fan favorite: A white leather bag with long fringe.

MIKOH

Inspired by the travels of sisters Kalani and Oleema Miller, MIKOH opened with Tahitian dancers wearing custom pieces from the surf collection made from coated neoprene. There were sleek designs (neoprene maillot with a halter-style top) and new prints (crashing white water, palm trees, a Samoan print) and colors (rich greens and reds, coral, turquoise and neutrals). Bikinis were paired with multi-string and laser-cut bottoms.

MARA HOFFMAN SWIM

A jungle-warrior theme at Mara Hoffman Swim offered bright colors and prints inspired by Guatemala. "The textiles are just incredible," she said. Standouts included a one-piece rash guard swimsuit with a colorful print on the front and black and white checkered print on the sleeves, and a cropped, long-sleeved rash guard paired with high-waist bottoms. Other looks included cut-out one-pieces with intricate beading, and black mesh pieces (bikini and tight knee-length dress) with sunburst texture.

MAAJI SWIMWEAR

Maaji Swimwear went to the races with looks inspired by horse riding and greyhounds. The models sported racing caps while holding whips. The "Royal Riders" collection included bustier bikini tops printed with plum greyhounds and red gingham; boy-short bottoms printed with fuchsia roses and orange horses; a crop top with cap sleeves for a surfer look printed with pastel envelopes and gray ropes; and a crop rash guard printed with orange horses and blue dots. Short trunks for men included similar prints and colors.

CM CIA.MARITIMA

The longest-running show at MBFWSwim is CM Cia.Maritima. "It's a challenge because you have more competitors," designer Benny Rosset said, adding that people used to say "bikini is not fashion," but that's changed. Among the looks: a long-sleeved yellow and pink orchid body suit with side cut-outs; orange sunset print crop top in long sleeves paired with an orange Cozumel print pencil skirt; an orange palm zipper brief bottom (surfer style); and yellow tropical one-piece with an animal print pant, yellow tropical blouse tied around the model's waist, and matching visor.

LULI FAMA

Inspired by the '80s TV show "Miami Vice," Luli Fama included pastels and neons along with tropical patterns and prints. The line is known for sexy, skimpy bottoms (ruched Brazilian cuts, cheeky bottoms and thongs), which caught the attention of singer LeAnn Rimes. "I like butts and they do a really good butt," she said after the show, which she attended with husband Eddie Cibrian.

SUBOO

From gym to beach: Suboo swimwear included zippers and mesh paneling; rash guards and high-waist bottoms; and bomber jackets not typically seen on swim runways, including a printed jacket outlined in black, and a white mesh jacket.

6 SHORE ROAD

More high-waist bottoms were seen at 6 Shore Road, with colorful prints and thick side strings. Rash guards also made the runway along with colorful oversized bags, pantsuits and black mesh cover-ups.